Study Guide for Enlightened Rulers, US Revolution, and Latin American Revolutions

A set of flashcards covering the key terms, figures, and concepts related to the Enlightenment, American Revolution, and Latin American Revolutions.

Frederick II

Accomplished ruler known for his military victories and reforms in Prussia.

Maria Theresa

The only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions and initiated various reforms.

Joseph II

Emperor of Austria who introduced radical reforms including religious toleration.

Catherine the Great

Empress of Russia who expanded the empire and promoted Westernization.

William Pitt the Elder

British statesman who led Britain during the Seven Years' War.

Jose de San Martin

Leader in the South American struggle for independence from Spain.

Miguel Hidalgo

Priest who initiated the Mexican War of Independence.

Toussaint Louverture

Leader of the Haitian Revolution, which led to the first independent black-led nation.

Simon de Bolivar

Venezuelan military and political leader who played a key role in Latin America's independence.

Peninsulares

Spanish-born individuals residing in the Americas, highest social class.

Creoles

American-born descendants of Spanish settlers, below peninsulares in the social hierarchy.

Mestizos

People of mixed European and Native American ancestry.

Monroe Doctrine

US policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas.

Latin American

Term referring to regions in the Americas influenced by Spanish and Portuguese colonization.

Enlightened absolutist

Monarchs who embraced Enlightenment ideas while maintaining absolute power.

Stamp Act

British law taxing printed materials in the American colonies.

Viceroy

A ruler exercising authority on behalf of a sovereign in a colony.

No taxation without representation!

Slogan used by American colonists protesting against British taxation.

Causes for American Revolution

Factors that led to the colonists' desire for independence from Britain.

Lexington and Concord

First military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.

Treaty of Paris

Agreement that ended the American Revolutionary War.

Catholicism

The faith, practice, and church order of the Roman Catholic Church.

3 key ideas of slavery

Economic exploitation, racial hierarchy, and harsh living conditions.

Role of Spain and Portugal in slave trade

Both countries were major players in the transatlantic slave trade.

2 reasons for slave trade

Labor demand in plantations and agricultural economy in the Americas.

Tight pack

A method of slave ship packing that aimed to maximize the number of slaves transported.

Loose pack

A method of slave transport that allowed more space for each individual on the ship.

Why Africans were used as slaves

Resistance to European diseases and agricultural skills suited for plantations.

2 reasons why enslaved African labor was used

Higher profitability and perpetual servitude.

Slave resistance

Various forms of opposition by enslaved individuals against their owners.

Role of the cotton gin in slavery

Increased the demand for cotton and thus for slave labor.

Montesquieu

Philosopher who influenced the Constitution with the idea of separation of powers.

Locke

Philosopher whose ideas about natural rights influenced the Bill of Rights.

Voltaire

Philosopher who advocated for freedom of speech and religion.

Rousseau

Philosopher who influenced democratic ideals and social contracts.

Silesia

Region involved in the power struggles of the Austrian Succession.

Pragmatic Sanction

A diplomatic solution to ensure Maria Theresa's succession to the Habsburg throne.